Grabar-Kitarović expressed support for war criminal Praljak

ZAGREB, (Patria) - The President of the Republic of Croatia addressed the public today regarding the verdict of the Hague Tribunal on Prlić and others.

- At the beginning, I want to express my condolences to the family of General Slobodan Praljak, a man who preferred to give his life rather than live condemned for deeds he did not commit. His act has deeply touched the hearts of the Croatian people - said the Croatian president at the beginning.

- As the President of the Republic of Croatia, I want to state clearly and unequivocally that yesterday in The Hague, a verdict was not delivered against the Republic of Croatia or the Croatian people in BiH. Croatia was not an aggressor, but rather did the most for the survival of a unified BiH, and the Croatian people were the first to defend themselves against the Greater Serbian aggression, defending their existence.

The Republic of Croatia was attacked by Milošević's Greater Serbia and the so-called JNA. Croatia did not attack anyone. Everyone in BiH, especially Croats and Bosniaks in the Federation, must rise above this, for both peoples. I call on everyone not to misuse the verdict, but for it to be the end of one and the beginning of another period. So that this verdict does not jeopardize relations between the two countries, I will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina as soon as possible. Croatia, along with the USA, did the most for BiH to survive as a sovereign state. Croatia, led by Franjo Tuđman, fully recognized the referendum on independence. During the war, Croatia received several thousand refugees from BiH. The largest part of humanitarian and military aid for BiH arrived precisely through RH. The Republic of Croatia played a key role in preventing the Greater Serbian aggression - said the Croatian president.

Called on Croats in BiH to remain peaceful and dignified

- Croats in BiH, remain peaceful and dignified. Do not be afraid, we are with you. Now, more than ever, we need unity. The Croatian people have always known how to deal with difficult challenges, and I am sure we will now.

Today we see how much the irresponsible actions and statements of some former Croatian officials have cost us. No one else, not even the Hague tribunal, will write our history - said the president of Croatia.

Let us remind you, the President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar Kitarović yesterday interrupted her visit to Iceland and returned to Croatia,

Yesterday, the Hague Tribunal, let us remind you, finally sentenced six leaders of Herceg-Bosna to a total of 111 years in prison for crimes in BiH; Prlić to 25, Stojić, Praljak and Petković to 20 years each, Ćorić to 16, and Pušić to 10 years in prison. After his sentence was read, Praljak drank poison in the courtroom, and later died in the hospital as a result.